Telephone



Aug. 14, 1928.

T. H. HOWELL ET AL.

TELEPHONE 4 Sheets-Sheet L Filed April 2, 1924 1Z izllkibwel R. G. \E 5 Aug. 14, 1928. 1,680,990

T. H. HOWELL ET AL TELEPHONE Filed April 2, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 11.11, Zion-ebb Aug. 14,1928. I 1,680,990 r T. H. HOWELL ET AL I TELEPHONE Filed April 2; 1924. 4 Sheds-Sheet 5 D I v Aug. 14, 1928. 14680890 T. H. HOWELL ET AL TELEPHONE Filed April 2; 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Aug. 14, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THEODORE HENRY HOWELL, OF MELBOURNE, AND ROYCE GEORGE FERGUSON, OF ST. KILDA, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA.

TELEPHONE.

Application filed April 2, 1924, Serial No. 703,799, and in Australia April 18, 1923. if

This invention relates to improvements in and connected with telephones and refers especially to automatic telephones wherein a dial is operated to select a series of numerals comprised in a telephone number whereupon an alternating ringing current is projected to the called station, which is automatically cut out and a direct current brought into use immediately the called subscriber lifts his receiver from its hook to respond.

When a person, makes a call the telephone at the called end rings intermittently until the receiver is lifted off its hook or until tl receiver at the calling telephone is replaced and when the called party is engaged in conversation with one person another caller on selecting the same number will be notified by an engaged signal from the exchange that the line is occupied.

It frequently happens that a subscriber is unable to raise a response from a called number and the only means he has of knowing that he has raised the number and that it is not engaged is by inductive indications from the ringing generator which are audible to the subscriber.

Now, the object of the present invention is to provide means whereby on occasions W when response cannot be obtained to a call, registration can be effected of the callers number or any other number at the called telephone. In this way an indication is given to the called partythat a certain number wished to communicate with him in his absence or wishes to communicate with him on his return.

WVe accomplish the above mentioned object by providing in automatic telephone systems, a number selecting and recording device constructed and arranged whereby on obtaining connection between one telephone and another in a system the alternating and intermittent current of the ringing circuit will energize a relay in the device to close a local battery circuit having electro-magnets therein adapted to actuate mechanism whereby a certain period of time is allowed to lapse at the termination of which a direct current is established in the telephone circuit so that by the operation of the dial at the callers telephone the number selecting and recording mechanism at the called telephone will be automatically put into operation to print numbers on a ribbon or the -More particularly the invention consists in providing an electrically controlled apparatus adapted to be placed 'in circuit by means of a switch with the main leads of a telephone, whereby the alternating and intermittent current in the ringing circuit will energize the relay and close a circuit to a motor and electro-magnets, the motor being adapted to impart movement to a device for short circuiting a condenser in the relay circuit and establishing-a direct current in the main leads whereupon the electro-magnets are adapted to actuate number selecting mechanism when the number selecting dial of the callers telephone is operated, and when a number has been selected to close a circuit for energizing electro-magnets to actuate means for bringing the selected number into contact with the'ribbon whereupon mechanism is actuated to place the numbering device in its original position prior to being again operated to record each of the remaining numerals in their proper sequence on the ribbon.

In the following specification and claims, wherever the term ribbon is used, it is intended to be read as including a tape, strip or sheet of paper, cloth or other material upon which a numeral may be impressed or stamped.

In order that the invention may be readily understood reference ,will now be had to the accompanying sheets of explanatory drawings wherein Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of the number selecting and recording device showing parts removed for convenience of illustration.

Figure 2 is a view in sectional plan of the number selecting and recording device taken on the dotted line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is aview in plan of portion of the apparatus and hereinafter is fully described.

Figure 4 is a view in sectional end elevation taken on the dotted line 44 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view in side elevation (partly in section) showing portion of thenumber selecting and recording device.

Figure 6 is a view in end elevation of an elcctro-magnet and parts of a relay embodied in the number selecting and recording device.

Figures 7 to 1% are views 01 details in the construction of the number selecting and recording device and hereinafter are fully described. I

Figure is a view in plan of portion 01' a ribbon showing a telephone number printed thereon by the number selecting and recording device.

Figures 16, 17 and 18 are views diagranr matically llustrating the number e c i g and recording device and the functioning of the parts in sequence of operation.

Figure 19 is a view similar to Figures 16, 17 and 18, and shows a modification in the electrical connections of the operative parts.

In these drawings lhe characters of reference have been employed to indicate the same or corresponding parts in the dili'erent views and the numeral 1U designates a metal plate which is mounted upon a base 11 ot insulating material.

An electro-magnet 12 is supported on a bracket 13 at one end of the metal plate and this electro-magnet is wired in a relay circuit n series with the main leads 11 of the telephone circuit and a condenser 15 as shown diagrammatically in Figure 16.

A switch 16 is employed to pla 'e tne relay or alternatively a telephone 17 in circuit with the main leads ll to the exchange.

The upper end of the core of the electromagnet is provided with a projecting pole piece 18 which is adapted to attract an armature 19 carried by a flexible member 20 mounted on and insulated from the support for the magnet. The bracket 13 is extended at the side of the relay magnet 12 as shown in Figure 6, so as to form in ellect an extension to the core, thus providing a closed magnetic path. The armature 19 supported at an adjustable distance from the pole piece 18 by means of a screw 21 having an insulated point 22 and this screw is carried in a bracket 23 fitted to the said pole piece.

The lower part of the resilient support 20 for the armature is adapted to bear against a contact screw 24 which is mounted adjustably in a post- 25 insulated trom the metal plate and is wired in a local battery circuit hereinafter described.

A small electric motor 26 is mounted on the opposite end of the metal plate and wired in circuit with a local battery 27 and the contact of the relay magnet as indicated in heavy lines, Figure 16.

A spindle 28 mounted in hearings on a plate 29 supported by columns 30 from the metal plate is adapted to be rotated by gearing from a. pinion 32 on the spindle of the motor.

A pair of electro-magnets 33 hereinafter referred to as the number selecting nets or digit coils are supported horizontally from two of the columns 1111 whFch the top plate is mounted.

The number selecting magnets are adapted to attract an armature 3% on the lower end of a pivoted lever 35 the upper end of which is provided with a. spring operated pawl 36 adapted to engage ratchet teeth 37 formed on a quadrant shaped stamping member 38 (hereinafter referred to as the (pawl-ant). The quadrant is pivotally supported on the free end of a lever 39 which in turn is pivoted to a support 40 on the metal plate 10.

A spring all is adapted to exert a pressure on the armature lever in such a manner as to normally maintain the armature ill at a l'ttle distance from the cores of the number selecting magnets.

The lever 35 is pivotally mounted on the upper end of a bracket 42 secured to the metal plate and upon the same pivotis mounted an oscillatable arm 43 which is acted upon by a spring 44 to maintain a linger -l5 on the free end thereof normally bearing against a pin 46 projecting laterally from the quadrant. The spring it is attached to the armature 3st and its free end is adapted to bear against a heel portIon depending from the pivoted end of the arm.

Two rows of concentrically arranged ratchet teeth 37 are formed on the side ol the quadrant 38 adjacent to the armature lever 35 and the two series of ratchet teeth are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the pawl 36 on the said lever, thereby forming a neutral space 47 in which the pawl is located when the quadrant is raised so that the upper series of ratchet teetlris (hsengagcd therefrom as hereinafter descnbed.

The upper or curved face 48 of the quadrant is provided with a series of raised or engraved numerals ranging from 1 to O and a. spring 49 s adapted to keep the quadrant pressed against a stop 50 on the lever 39 whereby the numeral 1 will be located slightly at the rear of a vertical plane passmg through the centre of the spindle 28 supported in bearings above the top plate and carrying one of the gear wheels 31. l The tree or engaging end of the pawl 36 is formed with a vertical arm or extension 51 which normally bears against a cam 52 or inclined face on the inner end of a drum 53 (hereinafter called the feed drum) mounted freely on the inner end o1 the spindle. \Vhen the upwardly projecting arm or extension 51 on the pawl is hearing against the cam or inclined face the free end of the pawl 36 will be held out of engagement with the ratchet teeth on the quadrant.

A pair of eleetro-magnets 54 is supported from. the underside of the top plate 29 and arranged to attract a horizontal armature 55 which is carried on arms 56 pivoted to the support for the lever 39. Thecentre of the armatureis formed with a downward loop or Ushaped portion 57 which is adapt- I mounted on the said metal plate.

abutment is kept pressed against a stud projecting from the rear of the armature lever by means ofja spring 66. The spring 66 acting on the bell crank is carried by an upwardly extending portion of the bracket 59 and the pressure thereof is regulated by an adjusting screw 67 (see Figure 1.)

A drum 68 is fitted to the spindle 28 on the inside of the gear wheel 31 and this drum is provided with a helical flange 69 having one and a quarter or approximately one and a quarter turns around the periph ery thereof The circumference of the drum 68 is recessed between the overlapping portions of the convolutions of the flan e 69 to receive a segmental shaped piece of insulating material 70 which conforms to the outer surface of the said drum. One edge of the said insulating piece of material is in line with the inner end of the helical flange 69. and the other edge is opposite or approximately oppositethe outer end of the said helical flange.

The segmental shaped piece of insulating material 70 approximates to one quarter of the circumference of the drum 68 and is formed with a helical flange 71 which is disposed midway between the overlapping parts of the convolutions of the flange on the drum.

The outer end of the helical frame 69 on the drum is provided on its inner face with a block of insulating i material 72 against which the free end of a contact spring 73 is adapted to bear. The contact spring 73 is fitted to a block 74: securedv to and insulated from a bracket 7 5 carried by the top plate. A second spring contact 76 is fitted to the block 741 and the free end thereof is adapted tobear against an adjustable contact screw 77 carried by a lug 78 supported on and insulated from the said bracket.

The outer face of the drum is fitted with a cam? 9 adapted, when in its normal position, to support a pivoted lever 80 of insulating material in a raised position. The

lever 80 is pivoted on a bracket 81 secured to the top plate 29 at one side of the drum 68 and its free end passes through a slot in the upper end of the plunger .82 of a dash pot 83.

The cylinder of the dash pot is provided near its lower end with a port 84 open to the atmosphere and the size of this port is adjusted by means of a regulating screw 85. A gravity valve 129 is positioned in the bottom of the dash pct 83 and the valve allows the plunger 82 to be raised quickly and freeas hereinafter described. A pin 86 projects laterally from the upper end of.

the plunger of the dash pot and is adapted to bear upon the free end of'the contact spring 7 6 when the plunger descends with in the cylinder of the dash pot.

When the lever 80 descends, a contact 87 thereon is adapted to bear against a post 88 on the top plate and closes a circuit through the frame of the mechanism which short circuits the condenser 15 in the previously established relay circuit and introduces a direct current to energize the relay magnet,

hereinafter described.

,A single tooth ratchet disc 89 is fitted rigidly to the spindle 28 on the inside of the drum provided with the helical flange 69 and the tooth of the said ratchet disc engages with a spring actuated retaining pawl 90 carried on a standard 91 having a bearing 92 for the spindle formed integrally therewith. The standard 91 is extended upwardly and is provided with a laterally projecting pin 93 upon which is mounted a reel9 carrying a ribbon 95.

The outer face of the feed drum is provided with a boss96 which is adapted to take the spindle 28 and upon this boss is mounted a sleeve 97 having a circumferen tial flange at each end thereof. The sleeve is rigidly secured to the boss on the feed drum and-the interior of the said drum is connected to r the spindle passing axially therethrough by means of a spiral spring 98 which is under tension.

The flange 99 on the inner end of the sleeve 97 is provided with two series ot ratchet teeth 100, the teeth of one of the series being diametrically opposite the teeth of the other series. Two corresponding teeth of each series are longer, that is they A short arm 106 on the opposite side of the lever bears against an annular cam 107 on the inner face of the drum GSand the said lever is acted upon by a spring 108 to maintain the said short arm in close contact with the said cam.

The annular cam 10? on the inner end of the drum (38 is provided with a raised portion and the said raised portion normally is located in such a position that it will maintain the long arm on the spring actuated lever 10% in contact with or bearing against one of the radial teeth 102 of the locking flange on the sleeve.

An extension 109 on the arm of the standard 91 supports a spring actuated lever 110 which is PIOXldGd with a pivoted pawl 111 adapted to be placed in, but which is normally retained out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 100 by means of a finger 112 on the said lever bearing upon the arm 103.

The end of the arm 103 projecting inwardly from the spring actuated lever is pointed when viewed in plan to enable it to be readily passed between the locking teeth 102 when the arm is thrust inwardly by the action of the annular cam 10? as hereinafter described. The end of the inwardly projecting arm of the lever 10!; is bevelled downwardly when viewed in elevation to enable it to pass freely under the finger 112 on the lever 110 to raise the pawl 111 attached thereto out of engagement with the ratchet teeth on the flange 99.

The outer face of the lever 110 is provided with a pair of stop pins 113 for limiting the radial movement of the pawl and a torsional spring 11% is adapted to maintain a downward pressure on the said lever. The end of the spring 114 bearing on the lever is shaped to maintain the pawl 111 bearing againstthe pin 113 nearest the free end of the said lever.

A plate 115 having a slot therein to loosely engage the boss 96 on the feed drum is located between the flange on the inner end of the sleeve 97 and the said drum and a depending arm 116 on the said plate has a lost motion connection with the lever 39 carrying the quadrant.

The plate 115 is provided with a fixed pawl 117 which is adapted to be placed in engagement with the ratchet teeth 100 on the underside of the flange 99 when the plate is raised by the upward movement of the lever 39 due to the energization of the electro-magnets 5 1.

The upper end of the plate is adapted to bear against the underside of the free end of the lever 110 when the carrying lever 39 is raised during a stamping operation. hen the stamping operation is completed and the lever 39 returns to its normal position, it carries with it the slotted plate 115 and the fixed pawl is drawn out of engagement with a tooth of the ratchet 100, thereby enabling the feed drum to partially rotate until the next tooth on the ratchet engages the pawl 111.

The outer face of the gear wheel 31 on the spindle is provided with an annular flange 118 (see Figure 1) and mounted on a standard 119 supporting the outer end of the spindle is an oscillatable lever 120 of approximately T-shaped formation. The oscillatable lever 120 is pivoted to the standard in vertical alignment with the centre of and below the spindle 2S and one arm of the said lever is longer than the other. The upper end of the lever is slotted or recessed to loosely embrace the spindle and permit the said lever oscillating a predetermined amount. Flanges 121 and 122 project inwardly from the ends of the arms of the oscillatable lever and these flanges are adapted to actuate a gravity pawl 123 pivoted to the outer face of the gear wheel on the spindle.

When the oscillatable lever 120 is in its normal position, the flange 122 on the long arm of the lever is disposed outside of the path of movement of a locking pin 121 proj eating from the gear wheel and the gravity pawl 123 bears against a supporting pin 125 or the said wheel.

W hen the gear wheel is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 7, the gravity pawl 123 will pass the inwardly projecting flange 122 on the long arm of the oscillatable lever and will strike against the flange 121 on the short arm of the said lever thereby oscillating the same to move the flange 122 on the long arm into the path of movement of the said locking pin 124 when the gear wheels and motor will be locked against further movement.

When the gravity pawl 123 is passing upward to strike against the flange 121 on the short arm of the oscillatable lever 120, it is resting upon a second supporting pin 126 (see dotted lines in Figure 7) and this pin is so disposed that it will hold the pawl in a correct operative position until the wheel moves onward sufficiently far to permit the pawl to fall by gravity against the firstmentioned supporting pin 125. The flange on the long arm of the lever is recessed or provided with a groove 12? on its upper face to enable it to correctly engage the said locking pin 124.

The gravity pawl 123 is located in advance ot the locking pin 124 and therefore when the latter is engaged by the reccss 127 in the long arm of the lever, the gravity pawl is situated therebelow.

On a reverse movement being imparted to the upper gear wheel 31 the gravity pawl 123 will strike against the flange 122 on the long arm and oscillate the lever 120 to cause the said flange to move out of the path of movement of the locking pin 124 and the gear wheel is further rotated until brought to rest by the retaining pawl 90 engaging the tooth on the ratchet disc 89.

The end of the insulating base is provided with four terminals to two 1.28 of which the main leads 14 of the telephone circuit are connected. The remaining terminals 130 are wired to the local battery27.

The condenser 15 and relay magnet 12 are connected in series to the first and second terminals 128 from one of which a conductor 128 passes to the contact pin 87 on the lever 80 carrying the plunger of the dash pot 83 (see Figures 16, 17 and 18).

The post 88 adapted to make contact with the pin 87 is connected to the top plate 29 of the frame and a tapping 131 from the frame is taken to the connection between the condenser and the relay magnet.

The insulated post 25 is connected by a conductor 132 to one of the terminals 130 wired in the local battery circuit and a conductor 133 passes from the other terminal to the motor and digit coils from each of which a conductor passes to the frame of the apparatus.

An extension 134 of the conductor 133 passing from the battery to the digit coils is connected to one end of the stamping coils 54 and to the opposite end of the coils a conductor 135 passes to the bell crank lever 58 or to the bracket supporting the same.

The arm 43 is electrically associated with the frame and when the contact 62 on the bell crank lever bears against the lug 63 on the arm the circuit is completed through the frame to the battery terminals.

One of the battery terminals 130 is connected by a conductor 136 to the contact screw 77 which bears upon an insulated spring 76 and the said insulated spring is electrically associated with the contact spring 73 hearing against the insulated block 72 at the commencement of the helical flange on the drum 68. Upon a slight movement of the drum 68 the circuit is completed through the frame (indicated by the plate 137 in the diagrammatic views) the digit coils 33. motor 26 and conductor 133 to the terminal on the opposite side of the battery.

In operation, when a subscriber has se lected a number. an intermittent buzz due to the ringing of the bell at the called partvs telephone will indicate to him that the telephone is in circuit and that the selecting an d the relay circuit, will know that the recording apparatus has been switched in and that a number can be recorded if desired.

The energization of the relay electromagnet 12 due to the spasmodic alternating ringing current causes the armature 19 to be attracted to the pole piece 18 of the magnet, thereby closing the battery circuit of the motor and digit coils as indicated by heavy lines in Figure 16 of thedrawings. The spasmodic interruptions in the relay circuit cause the armature 19 to vibrate to and from the pole piece 18 of the relay magnet and sympathetic interruptions to occur in the circuits of the motor and coils of the digit magnets.

In order to prevent the spring in the feed drum 53 reversing the motor during the sympathetic breaks in the local battery circuit an auxiliary circuit comprising conductors 136 and 138 is closed immediately after an initial movement has been imparted to the spindle of the motor. circuit is closedwhen the drum 68. has moved sufficiently to permit the spring contact 7 3 to bear against the helical metal flange 69 surrounding the said'drum.

A constant current then passes from the battery, through conductors 136, contact screw 137, spring 76, conductor 138, spring contact 73 to the drum and frame from which it passes through the motor digit coils to the opposite side of the battery. The conductor 138 in the diagrammatic views corresponds to the insulated metal block 74:, shown in Figures 1 and 3. i

This operation is shown diagrammatically in Figure 16 where the heavy line indicates the initial battery circuit and the auxiliary circuit is indicated by the dotted lines.

The rotation of the gearing 31 due to the operation of the motor causes the spindle 28 and parts rigidly mounted thereon to rotate approximately one and a quarter revolutions in the direction shown by the arrow in Figure 7. The amount of rotation of the spindle is determined by the locking pin 124- on the outer face of the gear wheel engaging the flange 122 on the oscillatable lever 120 as hereinbefore described.

Upon this initial movement of the spindle the cam 107 is moved away from the short arm of and enables thefree end of the lever 104; to move outwardly so that the point of the long arm thereon is disengaged from the locking teeth 102 on the outer flange of the sleeve fitted to the boss of the spring actuated feed drum.

The spiral spring 98 in the feed drum is under tension and when the long arm on the spring actuated lever 104 is drawn out of engagement with the tooth 102 and from underneath the finger 112 on the pawl carrying lever 110, on the flange, the feed drum will rotate in the direction of the arrow unparallel, thin This auxiliary til a tooth on the ratchet engages the pawl 111 which is brought to rest against the inner stop pin 113.

This initial movement of the feed drum causes the ribbon which passes from the reel 94 and around the lower part of and between the feed drum and a spring mounted roller 189 to be moved a short distance as indicated by the section a of the ribbon in Figure 15 of the drawings.

The angular displacement of the feed drum causes a corresponding partial rotation of the locking flange 101, so that the space between the two locking teeth 102 is broughtinto alignment with the long arm on the spring actuated lever 104.

Upon the closing of the local battery circuit by the relay armature, the coils of the number selecting magnets 33 are energized to attract the armature 34 on the pawl carrying lever 35. the coils being kept energized by the auxiliary circuit when the spring contact 73 engages the helical flange 69 on the drum 68. The movement of the pawl carrying lever 35 in this instance is not transmitted to the numbering quadrant 38 due to the pawl being held out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 37 by means of a vertical arm 51 hearing against the cam 52 or inclined face on the feed drum.

hen the drum G8 has completed one revolution the raised part of the annular cam thereon has returned to its normal position and has thrust the spring actuated lever 104C laterally. so that the end of the long arm thereon is engaging the second tooth 102 of the locking flange. The inward thrust of the said arm raises the pawl carrying lever into its normal position and the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet.

lVhen the pawl 111 has been raised out of engagement with the ratchet teeth it is moved forwardly by the spring 114 to bear against the stop pin 113 on the outer end of the pawl carrying lever 1.10. In this position the point of the pawl 111 is located slightly to the rear of the radial face of the ratchet tooth from which it has been disengaged.

The remaining approximate quarter of a revolution of the drum 68 moves the raised part of the annular cam 10? away from the short arm on the spring actuated lever 104 thereby enabling the long arm thereon to be disengaged from the second locking tooth 102 on the flange. The withdrawal oi the long arm from engagement with the second locking tooth and with the finger 112 on the pawl carrying lever 110 permits the said lever to fall and the pawl thereon to be brought into the path of movement of the teeth of the ratchet 100.

hen the locking flange 101 is released the feed drum is free to be rotated by the action of the spiral spring 98 until the next oncoming ratchet tooth forces the pawl 111 to bear against the inner stop pin 113 on the lever. This second intermittent movement of the feed drum corresponds to the section Z) shown on the ribbon in Figure 15.

The movement of the feed drum through the spaces a and 72' (shown in Figure 12) causes the cam 52 or inclined l'acc on the said drum to be moved 'l'rcm engagement with the vertical arm 51 on the pawl 36 as shown in F igure 5 of the drawings.

\Vhen the druln 68 provided with the helical flange (59 has just con'lplctml its movement the inner end of the flange has passed beyond the free end of the spring contact 73 which then moves outwardly to bear against a metal stop pin 1&0 projecting radially from the pm'iphery of the drum (sea dotted lines in Figure 9.) This slop pin 1:10 is located just inside of the inner end of the flange 71 on the insulated segment To in the nrum and when the movement of the drum is reversed thc free end of the spring contact 73 is brought to bear against: the inner face of the insulated flange (thus meal-dug the auxiliary circuit at this point) and the spring contact will be held thereagains-it until it passes beyond the outer tnd of the said insulated flange when it will move ovcr and bear against the insulated block 72 at the outer end of the metallic flange 0!) on the drunr.

lVhen the spindle 28 has rotated a turn and a quarter or approximately a turn and a quarter and the further morcmcnt i.-: arrested by the stop pin 124 abutting again-t the flange on the oscillatable l vcr the cam 79 between the drum 61% and the gear wheel 31 is in a horizontal or approxinu lely horizontal position (see dotted lines in Figure 8). and the lever 80 adapted to bear thereon free to descend to toe bottom or the slot in the plunger of the dash pot 83.

As the plunger gradually descends in the dash pot, the lever 80 moves dorrmvardly therewith until the contact 87 is brought to bear on the post 88 on the top plate tl'u-rcby closing the circuit from the main leads through the frame to the junction between the condenser and the relay coil (as shown by heavy lines in Figure 17) thus short circuiting the condenser and cstablishing direct current in the main leads of the tclcphom: circuit.

A further downward movement of the plunger in the dash pot causes the pin 80 on the former to depress: the spring contact 76 and move it away from the contact screw 77 again breaking the auxiliary circuit.

The establishing of the direct clnfrcnt causes the armature 19 to be held pcrnzanently against the pole p'ece of the relay magnet and a constant current then passes through the field coils ol' the motor and through the coils of the digit magnets.

loo

The dash pot.83 is so constructed as to delay the descent of the lever 80 and the establishing of the direct current sufiiciently long to enable the calling party to determine whether or not he will cause a number to be recorded at the called partys telephone. Should the calling party hang up his receiver prior to the establishing of the direct current in the main leads, the parts of the recording device will return to their normal positions and a call will not be registered against him at the exchange.

The usual practice in automatic telephone systems is to employ numbers of not more than four numerals and any increase in the number of subscribers is met by establishing fresh exchanges, each exchange having an identifying number. Thus, when a subscriber desires to ring up a number he has to insert his finger first of all in a hole in the dial marked with the identifying letter of the particular exchange and then operate the dial by inserting his finger in the holes opposite the successive numerals of the called partys number.

Each numeral on the dial of the automatic telephone may have a corresponding exchange letter associated therewith so that, should the letter F represent a particular exchange and this letter be adjacent to the number on the dial the operator inserts his finger in the perforated dialing disc and then moves the said disc around until his finger contacts with a fixed stop in the ordinary way. Upon withdrawing his finger the dialing disc is restored to its original position by a spring.

With the present invention, when a subscriber desires to record at the called partys telephone the number equivalent to the identifying letter of an exchange and a telephone number on that exchange he operates the dialing disc on his telephone in the ordinary way.

When the dialing disc is released and is returning to its normal position it breaks and makes the circuit a number of times corresponding to the units in the number "which has been dialed.

These interruptions transmitted to the main leads in passing through the relay coil causes the armature 19 to be released and attracted a corresponding number of times. Upon the first break in the circuit of the relay coil the di-git coils 33 are de-energized and the armature lever is returned to its normal position by means of the spring 41 first make in the circuit the armature 34 is attracted .and the pawl carrying lever 35 is oscillated to move the numbering quadrant forward one tooth placing the numeral 1 immediately beneath the lower part of the ribbon passing around the feed drum.

When the numbering quadrant has been moved a distance equal to the distance be tween the upper ratchet teeth the free end of a spring retaining pawl 141 engages shallow notches or recesses 142 in the back of the quadrant and retains it in position when the next interruption occurs in the main leads of the circuit. Each successive break'and make in the local circuit moves the numbering quadrant forward a distance equal to one digit spacing on the periphery thereof.

lVhen the numbering quadrant has been moved forward to place the first digit beneath the feed drum, the oscillatable arm 43 moves in the same direction until the heel thereon comes into contact with a stop pin 143. This movement of the oscillatable arm places the web 63 thereon in position to con tact with the screw 62 on the bell crank lever when the piston of the dash pot 61 has been allowed to descend to the limit of its movement.

This dash pot is constructed whereby the period of time taken for the piston to descend therein is greater than the length of the makes occurring periodically in both the main and local circuits during the dialing of a digit.

WVhen the quadrant has been operated intermittently a predetermined number of times to place a selected number beneath the feed drum, the fluctuations in the main leads cease, thus allowing the relay armature 19 to be held permanently and aconstant current to pass to the coils of the number selecting magnets which hold the armature 34 forward. The forward movement of the armature lever 35 allows the piston to tie scend in the dash pot 61 and the screw on the bell crank lever to make contact with the web on the oscillatable lever thereby closing the circuit which places the stamping coils in parallel with the circuits of the digit coils and the motor, as shown by the heavy lines in Figure 18.

lVhen the stamping coils are energized the armature is attracted thereby causing the quadrant carrying lever 39 to be quickly raised.

The momentum imparted by the rapid movement of the armature to the lever 39 and the numbering quadrant 38 causes the \Vhen the number impressing face on the quadrant strikes against the feed drum an impression is formed on the ribbon by means of a carbon ribbon which is fed with the ribbon as shown in Figure 1 or is mounted on rollers operated independently in any well known way. Alternatively the numbers 48 on the quadrant can be inked from a roller or pad (not shown) at each operation of the feed drum or from a suit-- ably disposed inking pad.

\Vhen the numbering ruiadrant is being raised to strike a ainst the ribbon the upper teeth 37 on the quadrant pass out of engagement with the pawl 30 which then engages with the bottom series of ratchet teeth 87 during the stamping operation, thus holding the quadrant securely and preventing smudging of the ribbon.

After the quadrant has struck the rilbon it descends a little distance owing to the lever having been projected upwardly slightly beyond the bottom of the loop 57 in the armature 55 and when the quadrant is in this position the pawl 36 is in the neutral space 47 between the two series of ratchet teeth thereby allowing it to be returned to its normal position by means of the spring t9.

As the numbering quadrant is being drawn rearwardly toward the stop 50 on the lever 39 by the action of the spring. the laterally projecting pin 46 strikes against the upwardly projecting finger e5 on the oscillatable arm 43 and moves the said arm to place the web 63 thereon away from the point of the contact screw on the bell crank lever 58, thereby breaking the circuit of the stamping coils and allowing the armature lever and numbering quadrant to return to their normal positions. I

As the lever 39 is being raised to cause the numbering quadrant to strike the ribbon the slotted plate 115 is raised to bring the fixed pawl 117 thereon into engagement with the ratchet teeth to hold the feed drum against ratation during the stamping operation. The raising of the plate causes the pawl carrying lever 110 to be raised simultaneously and the pawl 111 thereon to be placed out of engagement with the ratchet teeth on the upper part of the flange 99.

\Vhile the lever 39 and numbering quadrant 38 are being returned to their normal positions the plate 115 is pulled downwardly with the lever thereby causing the fixed pawl 117 to be disengaged from a tooth on the lower part of the ratchet 100 and allowing the pawl carrying lever 110 to descend and the pawl thereon to be placed into the path of movement of the next tooth on the ratchet.

lVhen the fixed pawl 117 disengages from the ratchet 100 the spring 53 causes the feed drum to be rotated until the next tooth This last mentioned movement of the feed drum and ratchet is indicated by the space 0 in Figure 12 and by the space (7* in Figure 15 of the drawings and represents a wider space than that. between the subsequent digit spacing on the ribbon. The spacing on the ribbon is governed by the length of the ratchet tee h in the flange 99 as will be readily understood from Figures 12 and 1:": of the drawings.

By repeating the operations above described the remaining numerals of a tcl- (phon mnnber are selected and recorded.

\Vhen the last digit has been recorded and the iuunbering quadrant- 38 and lever 39 have been returned to their normal positions and the circuit of the stamping coils is broken the calling party hangs up his receiver. causing a monientary break in the bruit. The momentary break dcs the relay magnet and allows the lll'llltltlll't? 19 to move away from the pole piece 18 lhereon, thus stopping the current to the motor whereupon the spring in the feed drum causes the spindle and gear wheels 31 and the motor to be rotated in a reverse direction approximately one quarter of a turn when the locking pawl 90 will engage the flange 89 and lock the parts in their normal positions.

The reverse movement of the spindle 28 causes the cam 79 to be placed in a vertical position, thereby restoring the lever 80 and the plunger of the dash pot 83 to their normal positions and the contact pin 87 to move away from the post 88. thereby breaking the circuit which operates the relay.

hen the spindle has been rotated approximately one quarter of a revolution in the reverse direction and the parts are in the positions above described the raised part of the annular cam 107 on the drum 08 is bearing against the short arm of the spring actuated lever 10 1. the long arm of which has been moved inwardly to lie in the path of the locking teeth 102 on the outer end of the sleeve carried by the feed drum, at the same time raising the pawl carrying lever 110.

Upon the complete release of the ratchet teeth on the inner flange 99 of the sleeve 97 due to the inward movement of the long arm on the spring actuated lever 104 the feed drum is rotated by the spring until the first locking tooth 102 on the outer flange of the sleeve bears against the said long arm of the spring actuated lever as shown in Figure 13 of the drawings. 7'

This final movement of the feed drum is through the angular distance indicatedby g in Figure 12 and this movement causes the ribbon to bejfed a distance equivalent to that indicated by the letter 9 in Figure 15 of the drawings and the portion of the ribbon having the callers number recorded thereon to be projectedthrough an opening 14% in the casing 145 surrounding the re-- drawings that portion of the coil of the re-,

lay magnet shown in faint lines is short circuited with the condenser by a conductor 146. i

The point at whichthe relay coil is tapped by the conductor 146 may be altered accordiug to the relative strengths of the alternating and direct currents passed through the circuits of the device.

In order to obviate sparking between the relay contacts of the modified form of the device, during'the rapid breaks and makes in the dialing operation the current to the motor does not pass through the relay contacts. but is passed through the conductor 136 from the battery to an insulated pin 147 on the armature 34 co-acting with the digit coils. When the armature lever is attracted by the cores of the digit coils 33 the insulated pin let? is brought to bear against a contact spring 148 which is insulated from the frame and connected by a conductor 149 to the motor 26, the other lead of the motor being arranged in circuit with the battery as illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18.

The circuits of the digit coils are arranged as previously described and as illustrated in Figures 16, 17 and 18 of the drawings.

The switch 16 can be designed to enable both the recording device and the telephone to be placed in circuit so as to operate simultaneously when desired.

It is possible to utilize the magnet of the relay to actuate the number selecting mechanisin and to suitably connect the motor to the main leads thereby obviating the employment of a local battery. This modification can be readily devised by any person skilled in. the art, but it has been found advantageous to employ a local batteryandto arrange and operate the parts in the manner liereinbei ore described.

It will be obvious that the construction of the feed mechanism of the drum 53 and parts associated therewith may be varied from that illustrated, in which case the drum can be rotated less or more than one and a quartcr revolutions.

Whilst we have described in the foregoing specification the preferred construction and arrangement of parts, we are aware that various alterations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and we therefore, do not wish to be understood as limiting ourselves to the positive terms employed in the description except such as the state of the art may require.

We claim 1. In an automatic telephone system furnished with number selecting dials, a number selecting and recording device embodying an electro-magnetically controlled stamping device, electro-magnetically controlled mechanism for feeding a ribbon past the stamping device, a local battery for energizing'the electromagnets ol the stamping device and feeding and adjusting mechanisms, and a relay and condenser adapted to be energized by the ringing current to close the circuits of the local battery and permit it to energize the parts of the device.

2. I11 an automatic telephone system, a number selecting and recording device embodying a local battery, a motor and electromagnets in circuit with the battery, mechanism actuated by the electromagnets for recording a number on a ribbon, a relay and. condenser in circuit withthe main leads of a telephone in the system, and a slow acting switch controlled by the motor to short circuit the condenser at the termination of a predetermined period after the energization of the relay by the ringing current to allow the establishing of direct current in the main leads.

3. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 2, an auxiliary circuit associated with the battery, means operated by the initial movement of the motor for closing the auxiliary circuit to maintain av current through the electromagnets of the mechanism and the motor,

and means for opening the auxiliary circuit when the condenser is short circuited to establish direct current in the leads from the exchange. i

4. In an automatic telephone system, a number selecting and recording device embodying a local battery, a motor and electromagnets in circuit with the battery, mechanism actuated by the electromagnets for recording a number on a ribbon, a relay and condenser in circuit with the main leads of -a telephone in the system and adapted to control the operation of the device, and

"mechanism adapted when connection is made by an exchange between-a telephone and the device to delay the establishing of direct current in the main leads for a prenishcd with number selecting dials, anumber recording device comprising a relay and condenser connected in series with the main leads of an exchange, a local battery, :1 m0- tor and electromagnet's in a circuit of the battery, mechai'iism controlled by the motor for short circuiting the condenser, a number impressing device, mechanism for feeding a recording ribbon past the number impress ing device, mechanism operable by electromagnets for locating the number impressing devices and mechanism operated by electro' magnets for actuating the number impressing device to record a selected numeral on the ribbon.

6. In an automatic telephone system furnished with number selecting dials, a number recording device, comprising a relay in circuit with the main leads-of an exchange, a condenser in series with .the relay, a local battery, a motor in circuit with the local battery, a switch in the local battery circuit adapted to be closed upon the intermittent miergization of the relay, a stamping de vice, eloetro-magnetically controlled mechanism in. the battery circuit for placing the stamping device in position for recording a lunnber selected by the dial of a telephone in the system, ribbon feeding mechanism associated with thc'stamping device, electromagneti -ally controlled mechanism for actuatin; the stamping device to record the selected numeral on the ribbon, and means for breakingthe circuits of the local battery upon the recording of a number on the ribbon to permit the parts returning. to their normal positions.

7. In an automatic telephone system furnished with number selecting dials, anumber selecting and recording device compris-' in; a battery, a motor in circuit with the return to their normal positions upon the operatornat the-calling telephone hanging close the battery circuit, electromagnets in battery, a relay and a condenser adapted to be placed in circuit with an exchange to the battery circuit, means operated by the motor for short-circuiting the condenser, and number select ng mechanism controlled through electromagnets in the battery circuit by the impulses occasioned upon the operation of a number selecting dial of a telephone.

8.111 a number-selecting and recording device, adapted to be placed in circuit with a telephone by an exchange having a relay and condenser connected in series to the main leads of the exchange, a local battery circuit adapted to be closed by theenergization ofthe relay a motor inthe local battery circuit, a spindle adapted to be rotated bythe motor, means for limiting the amount of rotation of thespindlermeans controlled by the movement of the spindle for short circuiting the condenser, a feed drum adapted to be actuated b v.a springand' mounted rotatively- .on said spindle, a recording'ribbon on the feed drum, means for holding the feed drum stationary while the spindle is being rotated to wind up said spring, and. means 'for allowing an intermittent movement to be imparted to the said feed drum after each numeral has been recorded on. the ribbon.

9. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 8, an electromagnet energized by thelocal battery and controlled by :the relay in theimain circuit, an armature adapted to be attracted by the said electromagnet, a numbering quadrant, a pivoted .lever supporting said quadrant, means whereby the said armature willactu- 'ate mechanism fonadjusting. the position of theinum-bering quadrant beneath the feed drum, a second.eleotromagnct in circuit with the battery, a looped: armature loosely embracing the quadrant supporting level-and adapted to be attracted by the second electromagnet: and operate the quadrant to impress a selected numeral on the ribbon.

10. In tin/automatic. telephone system, a number selecting ..and recording device adapted to be placed in circuit with an exchange by the. main leads of a telephone, clniractcrized in. that. a relay and condenser areconnected inserieswith the main leads, a local battery, 2 a ..motor and number selecting" mechanism in the local battery circuit, a switch, .an auxiliary circuit of the local .batteryndapted' to be controlled by the switch, aslow acting switch connected to the main lcadsand controlled by.the motor to short circuit the condenser, means for intermittently feeding a ribbon .past thenumber selecting mechanism, means for. actuating theanumber selecting mechanism .to record a number on the ribbon, and means wherebythe parts of the. device will up his receiver.

11. In..an..automatic telephone system furnished with numbeimselecting dials, a number selecting and recording device adapted to. beplaced in circuit with an exchange or the main leads of a telephone, characterized .in that a relay and condenser are connected in series with the main leads,

a local battery circuitadapted to. be closed by the relay; a.niotor and electromagnet in thebattery circuit, an auxiliary circuit of the local .battery. adapted to lie-closed by the initial movement of the motor. a slow acting switch, mechanism controlled by the .movementot the motor to short circuit the condenser and establish direct current in the mam leads of the exchange and also break the. auxiliary circuit, number selecting .mechanisnrachuatcd to he placed in an operative position by theintermittent energization (it the electron'iagnet, a circuit adapted to be closed upon the ad ustment-of:the numtoo ber selecting mechanism, a second electromagnet, and means actuated b the energization of the second magnet or operating the number selecting mechanism to record a numeral selected thereby.

12. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, a spring actu' ated feed drum for feeding a ribbon past the means for impressing a selected numeral thereon, means controlled by the movement of the motor forwinding up the spring of the feed drum, and means for releasing the feed drum and allowing it to move intermittently when the number selecting mecha nism has returned to its normal position after impressing a numeral on the ribbon.

13. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, number selecting mechanism embodying an electromagnet, an armature, a lever on the armature having a spring actuated pawl, a movably supported quadrant, ratchet teeth on the quadrant adapted to be engaged by the spring actuated pawl on the armature lever, a series of raised or engraved numerals on the face of the quadrant, and means whereby when the number selecting dial on the telephone in circuit with the device is operated, the electromagnet will be intermittently energized and the armature lever operated to intermittently move the quadrant to place the desired numeral in an operative position.

14. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, number selecting mechanism embodying an electromagnet, an armature. a lever on the armature having a spring actuated pawl, a movably supported quadrant, ratchet teeth on the quadrant adapted to be engaged by the spring actuated I pawl on the armature lever, a series of raised or engraved numerals on the face of the quadrant, means whereby when the number selecting dial of atelephone in circuit with the device is operated, the electromagnet will be intermittently energized and the armature lever operated to intermittently move the quadrant to place the desired numeral in an operative position, a circuit having an electromagnet therein adapted to be closed when the quadrant is placed in an operative position, and an armature adapted to be attracted by the electromagnet to cause the quadrant to be moved to place the selected numeral into contact with a ribbon and to record the selected numeral thereon.

15. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, a relay comprising an electromagnet, a pole piece pro-- ecting from the core of the magnet. resilient- 1y supported armature adapted to be attract ed by the said magnet, and means for adjusting the normal position of the armature relatively to the pole piece.

16. In a number'selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, number selecting mechanism comprising an electromagnet' in the battery circuit, a' pivoted armature adapted to be attracted by the magnet, a lever on the armature, a pawl on the lever, a movable lever, a number impressingquadrant pivoted to the movable lever, two series of concentrically arranged ratchet teeth of greater width than the pawl on the armature lever, a looped armature supporting the quadrant carrying lever, electromagnets adapted to attract the looped armature, a spring and a stop on the lever for locating the quadrant in its normal position, notches in the quadrant, a spring retaining pawl adaptedto engage with the notches,

and means for closing a circuit embodying the second electron'iagnets.

17. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, an electric motor, a spindle adapted to be rotated by gearing from the motor, means for stopping the rotation of the spindle after a predeter mined amount of rotation, comprising an oscillatable lever of approximately T-shapefl form having its leg portion pivoted in vertical alignmentwith the spindle, a long and short arm on the lever, an inwardly projecting flange on each arm, a gear wheel on the spindle, a locking pin projecting from the face of the gear wheel, a gravity pawl pivoted to the face of the saidgear wheel, and supporting pins projecting laterally from the gear wheel.

18. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, an electric motor, a spindle adapted to be rotated by gearing from the motor, means for stopping the rotation otthe spindle after a predetermined amount of rotation, comprising an oscillatable lever of approximately T-shaped form having its leg portion pivoted in vertical alignment with the spindle, a long and short arm on the lever, an inwardly projecting flange on each arm, a gear wheel on the spindle, a locking pin'projecting from the face of the gear wheel, a gravity pawl pivoted to the face of the said gear wheel, supporting pins projecting laterally from the gear wheel, a recess in the T- shaped lever embracing the spindle, a groove in the upper edge of the flange on the long arm of the T-shapcd lever, an annular flange on the gear wheel adapted to surround the said lever and the gravity pawl co-acting therewith.

19. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim ll, a spindle in geared relationshipwith the motor, a switch in the auxiliary circuit comprising a drum on the said spindle, a flange formed helically on the said drum, a block of insulating material at one end of the helical flange, a

spring contact in the auxiliary circuit normally bearing against the block of insulatlog material, a section of insulating material adapted to cover a part of the periphery of the drum between overlappii'ig portions of the said helical flange, a helical flange on the section of insulating material, and a stop pin projecting radially from the drum adjacent to the flange on the section of insulating material.

20. In a number selecting and recordin device as claimed in claim 11, a spindle operatively connected to the said motor, an eccentric on the spindle, a lever insulated from and bearing on the eccentric, a dash pot, a loose connection between the lever and the piston of the dash pot, a contact on the lover, a eo-acting contact on the frame of the device said contact being arranged in the circuit for short circuiting the condenser in the relay circuit, a spring contact arranged in the auxiliary circuit of the local battery, and a contact pin on the piston 01 the dash pot adapted to contact with and open the said spring contact.

21. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, a spindle operated by gearing from the motor in the local battery circuit, an eccentric on the spindle, a lever insulated trom and bearing on the eccentric, a dash pot, a loose connection between the lever and the piston of the dash pot, a contact on the lever, a co-acting contact on the frame of the device, said contact being arranged in a circuit for short circuiting the condenser in the relay circuit, a

spring contact arranged in the auxiliary circuit of the local battery, a contact pin on the piston of the dash pot adapted to contact with and open the said spring contact, an inlet port in the bottom of the dash pot, a gravity'valve adapted to close the inlet port, an outlet port in the dash pot. and means for controlling the size of the said outlet port.

In a number selecting and recording, device as" claimed in claim 11, a spindle operatively connected with the said motor, a feed drum on the spindle, means for intermittently releasing the feed drum. comprising a second drum on the said spindle, an annular cam on the said second drum, a raised portion on the cam, a pivoted lever having a short arm on one side normally bearing against the raised part of the cam, a long arm on the opposite side of the lever having a tapered end, a. sleeve titted to the feed drum. end flanges on the said sleeve, radially disposed locking teeth on one flange adapted to engage with the long arm of the pivoted lever. ratchet teeth on the second flange of the sleeve, a. spring actuated lever, a pivoted pawl supported on the spring actuated lever and adapted to be engaged by the ratchet teeth. a finger on the spring aetuated lever adapted to normally rest on the long arm of the pivoted lever, a pair of stop pins on the spring actuated lever adapted to limit the movement of the pawl, a movable member adapted to raise the spring actuated lever to disengage the pawl from the ratchets, and a fixed pawl on the movable member adapted to engage the teeth oi the ratchet when the pivoted pawl is disengaged therefrom.

23. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, a :piudte operatively connected to the motor, a drum on the said spindle, an annular cam on the drum, a raised portion on the cam. a pivoted lever, a short: arm on one side of the pivoted lever normally bearing against the raised part o'fthe am, a long arm on 'the opposite side of the lever, a tapered end on the long arm, a sleeve titted to the feed drum and having end flanges, radially disposed locking teeth on one flange adapted to engage with the long arm of the pivoted lever, ratchet: teeth on the second flange of the sleeve, a spring actuated lever, a pivoted pawl on the spring actuated lever and adapted to be en gagcd by the ratchet teeth, a finger on the spring actuated lever adapted to normally rest on the long arm of the pivoted lever, a pair of stop pins on the spring actuated lever adapted to limit the movement of the pawl, av movable member adapted to raise the spring actuated lever to disengage the pawl iron) the ratchets, a fixed pawl on the movable member adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet when the pivoted pawl is disengaged therefrom, a spring exerting a dmvnward pressure on the spring actuated lever, an extension on the spring exerting a forward thrust on the pawl, and two series of ratchet teeth on the flange ot the sleeve. fitted to the feed drum, some of the teeth of each series having a greater angular spacing than the remaining teeth of the series.

2-1. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, a spindle operativ'cly connected to the motor. a drum on the spindle. an annular cam on the drum. a raised portion on the cam, a pivoted lever. a short. arm on one side of the pivoted lever normally bearing against the raised part of the cam, a long arm on the opposite side of the lever, a tapered end on the long arm of the lever, a sleeve fitted to the feed drmn and having end flanges, radially disposed locking teeth on one i'lange adapted to engage with the long arm on the pivoted lever, ratchet: teeth on the. second flange ol' the sleeve, a spring actuated lever. a pivoted pawl on the spring actuated leve" adapted to be engaged by the ratchet teeth. a finger on the spring actuated lever adapted to normally rest on the long arm of the. pivoted lever, a pair of stop pins on the spring actuated lever adapted to limit the movement. of the pawl, a movable member adapted to raise the spring-actuated lever to disengage the pawl from the ratehets, a

lllll fixed pawl on the movable member adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet when the pivoted pawl is disengaged therefrom, a pivoted lever, a stamping quadrant on the pivoted lever, an electromagnet and armature for oscillating the quadrant carrying lever, a plate having a hole or slot loosely embracing a boss on the feed drum, an arm depending from the plate, a lost motion connection between the quadrant carrying lever and the depending arm, and a fixed pawl on the plate adapted to engage the ratchet teeth on the sleeve fitted to the drum when the plate is raised by the upward movement of the quadrant carrying lever.

25. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, a spindle operatively connected to the motor, a feed drum on the spindle, a reel revolvably supported above the feed drum, and a resiliently supported roller adapted to bear against the feed drum and facilitate the feeding of a ribbon around the same. i r

26. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 11, a spindle operatively connected to the motor, a feed drum on the spindle, a single toothed ratchet disc on the feed drum spindle, and a spring actuated retaining pawl adapted to engage with the tooth on the ratchet disc substantially as described.

27. In an automatic telephone system furnished with number selecting dials, a number selecting and recording device adapted to be placed in circuit with an exchangeor the main leads of a telephone, characterized in that a relay and condenser are connected in series with the main leads, a local battery circuit adapted to be closed by the relay, a motor and electromagnet in the battery circuit, an auxiliary circuit of the local battery adapted to be closed by the initial movement of the motor, a slow acting switch, mechanism controlled by the movement of the motor to short circuit the condenser and establish direct current in the main leads of the exchange and also break the auxiliary circuit, number selecting mechanism adapted to be placed in an oper active position by the intermittent energization of the electromagnet, a circuit adapted to be closed upon the adjustment of the number selecting mechanism, a second electromagnet, means actuated by the energization of the second magnet for operating the number selecting mechanism to record a numeral selected thereby, means for closing the circuit embodying the second electromagnet comprising an oscillatable arm hav ing an upwardly projecting finger and a laterally projecting lug thereon, a number impressing quadrant, an armature lever, a pin projecting laterally from the quadrant and adapted to normally engage with the finger, a bell crank lever, a dash pot con nected to one arm of the bell crank lever, a contact screw on the second arm of the bell crank lever adapted to contact with the lug on the oscillatable arm, a spring acting upon the bell crank lever to maintain the contact screw thrust towards the said lug, and an abutment of insulating material on the bell crank lever normally bearing against the armature lever.

28. In a number selecting and recording device as claimed in claim 27, a spindle adapted to be rotated by gearing from the motor, a spring actuated feed drum on the spindle, a cam face on the feed drum, a pawl on the armature lever, and an arm on the pawl constructed and arranged whereby the cam face will prevent the pawl engaging with the ratchet teeth on the quadrant until the feed drum has been partially rotated.

29. In an automatic telephone system furnished with number selecting dials, a number selecting and recording device adapted upon the operation of a dial of the telephone in the system to record numerals upon a ribbon in order of selection on the dial, comprising a relay and condenser in circuit with the main leads of an exchange, an armature adapted to be attracted by the electromagnet, contacts in circuit with the battery and armature, and a motor arranged to be placed in circuit with the local battery upon the energization of the electromagnet substantially as described.

30. In a number selecting and recording device, a relay and condenser adapted to be placed in circuit with the main leads of an exchange, a local battery having a circuit adapted to be closed by the energization of the relay, an eleetromagnet in the local bat-- tery circuit, an armature adapted to be attracted by the electromagnet, a motor in the local battery circuit, contacts in the local battery circuit adapted to be closed by the movement of the armature when attracted by the electromagnet, a slow acting switch adapted to be brought into operation to delay the establishing of the direct current in the main leads for a predetermined period, and means whereby portion of the coils of the relay magnet will be short circuited with the condenser when direct current is established in the main leads from the exchange.

THEO. H. HOW'ELL. ROYCE G. FERGUSON. 

